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We’ve seen our fair share of swapped BMW E30 M3s in the past. From models fitted with 5-liter V10 units to versions using V8s, everything that can possibly be made was already done and seen. However, most of the time, the balance of the car is lost due to adding an engine under the bonnet that’s just too big for the chassis. This might not be the case.
Few people actually know that the E36 M3 borrowed parts from its older brother, the E30 version. It used a lot of the same parts for the rear axle and then some more. However, under the bonnet things were a lot different.
The E30 M3 used the S14 unit that was a 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder mill making 195 HP in its original guise. Over the years, the capacity and power levels went up but it was still an I4 configuration.
The E36 M3, on the other hand, used two inline 6-cylinder models basically writing the first page in a tradition for M3s that would make a comeback in 2014. What we’re showing you today is an E30 M3 using one of those Motorsport-developed mills.
Under the bonnet of this 1988 BMW lies a 1999 S52 plant. In case you’re not familiar with BMW lingo, that’s the 3.2-liter version that used to make 240 HP and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque on US soil. Since this is for sale in the Chicago area, we’re guessing this is the unit the seller is talking about.
That’s good news because it doesn’t add a lot of weight to the car and, according to the description, it has had some work done to it for more power. A Shark chip together with Supersprint SS headers and exhaust, aluminum radiator, new hi-flow water pump, Stage II lightweight flywheel and other add-ons should provide a hell of a bump in driving dynamics.
The car also received a lot of attention in other areas. There’s a whole new suspension at play along with a custom differential, new torsion front bar, camber plates, cooling plates and Recaro seats.
The list is pretty long and you can check it out at the seller’s original ad. He’s asking for $26,000 with the BBS wheels on which I think are worth $1,000. Otherwise, you can get it with some stock 15” Borbet ones.
The E30 M3 used the S14 unit that was a 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder mill making 195 HP in its original guise. Over the years, the capacity and power levels went up but it was still an I4 configuration.
The E36 M3, on the other hand, used two inline 6-cylinder models basically writing the first page in a tradition for M3s that would make a comeback in 2014. What we’re showing you today is an E30 M3 using one of those Motorsport-developed mills.
Under the bonnet of this 1988 BMW lies a 1999 S52 plant. In case you’re not familiar with BMW lingo, that’s the 3.2-liter version that used to make 240 HP and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque on US soil. Since this is for sale in the Chicago area, we’re guessing this is the unit the seller is talking about.
That’s good news because it doesn’t add a lot of weight to the car and, according to the description, it has had some work done to it for more power. A Shark chip together with Supersprint SS headers and exhaust, aluminum radiator, new hi-flow water pump, Stage II lightweight flywheel and other add-ons should provide a hell of a bump in driving dynamics.
The car also received a lot of attention in other areas. There’s a whole new suspension at play along with a custom differential, new torsion front bar, camber plates, cooling plates and Recaro seats.
The list is pretty long and you can check it out at the seller’s original ad. He’s asking for $26,000 with the BBS wheels on which I think are worth $1,000. Otherwise, you can get it with some stock 15” Borbet ones.
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